Bhubaneswar:In a significant move towards ensuring planned and inclusive urban development, a high-level meeting on the Comprehensive Development Plan (CDP) for Baripada town was convened Friday at Lok Seva Bhawan, Bhubaneswar. The meeting was chaired by Dr. Krushna Chandra Mahapatra, Minister, Housing & Urban Development Department.
Setting the tone for the deliberations, Ms. Usha Padhee, Principal Secretary, Housing & Urban Development Department, highlighted the growing need for a structured Master Plan for Baripada — a key urban centre in northern Odisha with strategic economic and cultural relevance. She emphasized the importance of inter-departmental collaboration for holistic and sustainable urban growth.
A major decision taken at the meeting was to constitute a Joint Technical Committee, comprising representatives from key stakeholder departments, to initiate and oversee the preparation of a detailed Master Plan for Baripada. The committee will be responsible for data collection, spatial mapping, integration of infrastructure requirements, and alignment with regional development goals.
The meeting witnessed the participation of Commissioner-cum-Secretary, Panchayati Raj & Drinking Water Department, Collector & District Magistrate, Mayurbhanj, senior officials from the Indian Railways, National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), Urban Planning experts, and other senior officers from relevant departments.Discussions covered key aspects such as:Land use planning to accommodate future population growthUrban mobility and connectivity, particularly in relation to National Highways and Railway networksInfrastructure development including water supply, drainage, solid waste management, and housingHeritage conservation and eco-sensitive zoning, given Baripada’s unique socio-cultural identityIntegration with ongoing state-level urban initiatives under the Vision 2036 framework.
Minister Dr. Mahapatra stressed the need to ensure that the CDP reflects the aspirations of the people of Baripada and takes into account the challenges of rapid urbanization. He called for a time-bound action plan and directed officials to ensure people’s participation and transparency throughout the planning process.The meeting marks a critical step in translating Baripada’s urban potential into a livable, sustainable, and economically vibrant town. The initiative aligns with the Government of Odisha’s larger vision of ‘Vikshit Odisha 2036’, focusing on balanced regional development and inclusive urbanization.
